MLB Insider Sounds Off on Tarik Skubal Trade Rumors, Says Tigers' Hopes of New Contract Are 'Nil'

The possibility of the Detroit Tigers parting ways with ace Tarik Skubal on the trade market is reportedly increasing.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Skubal's "trade chances are rising" as the Tigers' hopes to sign him to a contract extension are "nil."

Skubal was previously involved in trade rumors before the start of the regular season, as there was reportedly a large gap in extension discussions between the left-hander and Detroit.

He's currently set to enter free agency at the end of his 2026 campaign.

The Tigers could become increasingly open to trading Skubal instead of watching him potentially leave as a free agent if they aren't able to climb up the American League Central standings, currently sitting at the bottom of the division with a 20-31 record.

While the 29-year-old has missed time this season as he recovers from elbow surgery, he should still generate plenty of interest on the trade market.

Skubal has earned AL Cy Young Award honors in each of the past two years and started his 2026 campaign on a high note, owning a 3-2 record in seven starts to go along with a 2.70 ERA and 0.946 WHIP.

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is on Aug. 3.